(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) VEHICLE-TO-GRID (V2G) TECHNOLOGY

(MAY-2025)

VEHICLE-TO-GRID (V2G) TECHNOLOGY

Context:

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, has launched a pilot project to explore the use of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in the state of Kerala. This is a significant step as Kerala has been witnessing a rapid increase in the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), which has created both opportunities and challenges for the state’s power system.

What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology?

In simple words, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is a technology that allows electric vehicles to send electricity back to the power grid from their batteries when needed.

While typically, EVs only draw power from the grid to charge their batteries, V2G introduces bi-directional charging, where energy can flow both ways — from the grid to the vehicle and from the vehicle to the grid.

To clarify:

Bi-directional charging means the vehicle battery can be both charged and discharged.
V2G technology specifically refers to sending energy from the vehicle’s battery back to the grid when required.

Why is V2G Technology Significant?

This technology offers multiple benefits for both electricity grids and EV owners:

Mitigates Renewable Energy Volatility: Renewable sources like solar and wind produce electricity intermittently. V2G technology allows EV batteries to store excess renewable energy during periods of high generation and discharge it back into the grid when generation drops.
Reduces Dependence on Fossil Fuels: At present, power grids use fossil fuel-based power plants to meet sudden spikes in demand (called peaker plants). By using EV batteries to supply power during these periods, the reliance on such plants can be reduced.
Leverages Existing Infrastructure: EV batteries connected to homes, offices, or public charging stations act as decentralised energy storage units, eliminating the immediate need for building expensive, large-scale grid batteries.
Optimises Battery Usage: Studies show that V2G technology can utilise EV battery capacity up to 10 times more efficiently than normal smart charging systems. For EV owners, this means their idle vehicle batteries can become income-generating assets when connected to the grid.
Supports Growth of Renewable Energy: V2G helps store and utilise surplus renewable energy which would otherwise go to waste, thereby enabling greater adoption of green energy sources without overburdening the grid.

Status of V2G Technology Across the World

Globally, V2G technology is at different stages of adoption:

Europe: Countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are among the global leaders in using V2G technology.
United States: The state of California has taken the lead in using V2G for grid stability because of its high renewable energy penetration.
India: Here, V2G is still in its early phases. The primary focus is currently on expanding the EV charging infrastructure while planning for future integration of V2G into the distribution grid.

What is V2X Technology?

While V2G refers specifically to interaction between the vehicle and the power grid, the broader term V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) covers a wider range of applications. These include:

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): Where EVs can power homes during outages or peak tariff hours.
Vehicle-to-Building (V2B): Where EVs supply power to buildings or commercial complexes.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): Where EVs directly power electronic appliances or tools.